About
As an artist I have endeavored to:
Find my style
Find my imagery
Find my place in the world
Share my techniques
Create beautiful artworks
Share my art
Comments and Inquiries
Biography & Artist Statement
Born and raised in New York State, Joel moved with his wife to the Philadelphia area when he was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Fine Arts in 1977. After graduating he moved to Delaware in 1980.
Residing and working in Claymont Delaware, Joel considers himself to be a realist with a traditional fine art education. Having worked in various mediums from pencil to cast bronze sculpture, his passion for art began in high school and after 57 years, this passion is still as vibrant as ever.
His adventures and philosophy in life are reflected in his work from the first hesitant marks in high school that won an award for a watercolor and ink Tree Study, the energetic scribblings that transformed his vision in the 80's to the ongoing pursuit of pushing the limits of drawing ethereal landscapes and expressive portraits.
After serving in Viet Nam, he was accepted to college and further graduated with a Master's in Fine Arts Degree in Sculpture. Joel has exhibited internationally, and his work adorns numerous private collections. Now retired from full-time teaching in higher education, he devotes much of his time to sculpture and drawing.
Working from a modest studio, he is refreshing his interest in sculpture on a larger scale than before working with epoxy clays. He finds the whole idea of armature, architecture, and finish is a new and challenging experience.
He has crafted his drawing techniques which he calls energy drawings and messy lines into a fine art teachable discipline. His energy drawings won him numerous awards when he was involved in the Science Fiction and Fantasy Art show from 1998 to 2012. He subscribes to the idea that with this technique, almost anyone can create dynamic and beautiful drawings. His drawings range from softly toned nudes and portraits to wildly abandoned pencil and eraser strokes that burst from the paper and draw the viewer into the work with the overreaching detail.
Joel currently resides in Claymont Delaware with his wife, Sheridan, a long hair domestic kitty named Snoggons, and a yellow-naped amazon parrot who calls herself Daisy among other names.
"Of all the artful mediums I have worked with, I passionately enjoy the simple, straightforwardness of the pencil the most. I find the connection between me, and the pencil scratching across a soft fibrous surface is intoxicating and transforming. I know that sounds utterly silly, but it is one of my two favorite mediums. What do I draw? Sometimes just messy lines but over time, my subjects can be indexed if need be, into categories of trees and landscapes, abstract textural passages, human figures, dragons, and portraits. I discovered a certain sculptural quality in drawing forms (light and dark) instead of shapes (outlines).
New pages include sculptural forms, intaglio prints, silverpoint/mixed media, and paintings. What I sculpt is somewhat different..."
